The U.S. Central Command announced that F-22 aircraft are arriving in the Middle East as part of U.S. reinforcements to confront threats from Iran and its proxies. In the context of U.S. assessments regarding potential Iranian retaliation and fears of war, 12 stealth F-22 Raptor aircraft, among the most advanced in the world, are making their way to the Middle East, accompanied by 3 refueling aircraft. The aerial convoy is expected to pass over the region after a brief stop in Britain.